In the late 1980s, I wrote several books for the National Academy Press here in Washington, D.C., which are now all out of print. After a decade spent doing other things (working in the White House science office as a speechwriter, running an op-ed service, raising children), I wrote Mapping Human History: Genes, Race, and Our Common Origins, which was nominated for the 2002 National Book Award, won the Science-in-Society Award from the National Association of Science Writers, and was named a best science book of 2002 by Discover magazine. A couple of years later I published the book Count Down: Six Kids Vie for Glory at the World’s Toughest Mathematics Competition, which was named a best science book of 2004 by Discover magazine.

Mapping Human History uses the genetic differences found in people today to reconstruct the last 150,000 years of human history. By revealing the biological roots of our similarities and differences, it offers new ways of thinking about race, ethnicity, ancestry, and language.

Mapping Human History

Reviewers’ Comments

“Noteworthy and valuable. . . . Olson does an admirable job of presenting an up-to-date, consensus view of what genetics tells us about who we are and how we got here as a species.” — Science

“[Olson’s] ideas are compelling, his research staggering, and his conclusion reinforces a belief in human equality.” Christian Science Monitor

“The most balanced, accessible, and up-to-date survey of the field. . . . Olson is going to be a hard act to follow.” — New Scientist

“An entertaining introduction to the ways in which genetics can illustrate human prehistory. . . . Olson’s is a steady hand to help guide us.” — Sunday Telegraph

“An important and engrossing tale.” — Guardian

“An excellent job of balancing scientific content with journalistic spice.” — American Journal of Human Genetics

“An engaging and fast-paced look at a subject that has profound implications for our everyday lives.” — Publishers Weekly

“Count Down” is a narrative account of the 2002 International Mathematical Olympiad, which was held at George Mason University just outside Washington, D.C. It follows the six members of the U.S. team, their coach, and their guide (who was a team member several years ago), describing the qualities that led the Olympians to be among the best high-school-aged mathematical problem solvers in the world. More broadly, Count Down explores the following question: How does anyone learn how to do something extremely well?

Count Down

Reviewers’ Comments

“Math, meet your savior. . . . Olson finds a way to make the intricacies of higher mathematics palatable to all.” — New York Post

“[Count Down] ought to be read by anyone living in a technological society. . . . By the end of this satisfying little book, the reader will likely suspect that he or she has untapped cognitive potential.” — Washington Post

“Engaging.” — The New Yorker

“Easily the most levelheaded treatment of a high-stakes competition I’ve ever read. . . . An engrossing contemplation of the concept of genius.” — Seattle Weekly

“A fine and thoughtful book.” — Notices of the American Mathematical Society

“Uplifting.” — Publishers Weekly

“It makes for a great read (seriously).” Elle Girl

“Olson captures the personalities of these young geniuses and shows that they are more complex, more interesting, and more fun than stereotypes suggest. . . . Thoroughly engaging reading.” — Library Journal

“Count Down is only partly about math. It’s mostly about motivation, talent, and creativity. . . . Highly readable and thought-provoking.” — Detroit Free Press